Phillips, Rolen sit as Baker tweaks lineup vs. Hamels

Todd Frazier started at third base, Miguel Cairo at first base and Wilson Valdez played second.

Baker plans to play Rolen in all three games of the upcoming series against St. Louis at Great American Ball Park.

"I could see him wearing down the last couple of days. I've got to spot him," Baker said. "Hopefully he'll be fresh and Brandon will be fresh. I told Brandon I was going to give him a day off here because he's been playing every day. This way, he can play all the way through the next off-day."

Phillips entered Thursday hitting .309 since the All-Star break and .289 overall with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. He's played every game since missing five games from Aug. 1-5 with a calf strain, and he's 4-for-28 (.143) lifetime vs. Hamels.

"If we're going to pick a day, today's the day," Baker said.

Baker wondered if Phillips might be wearing down a little, as well. He's batting .200 (9-for-45) in his last 11 games. The Reds are currently in a stretch of 34 games over 34 days that will end next Thursday.

"These are dog days. They don't call them dog days for nothing," Baker said. "Think of the streak we're in until Wednesday. Something has got to shake."